Spiritual Thoughts for the week

January 16th

CHRIST’S PRESENCE AT MASS

The Church teaches that there are four ways that Christ is really present in the Mass. These are all by virtue of Christ’s divine grace:

In the congregation

—Matthew 18:20-“Where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, I am in their midst.” Also, the entire mystical body of Christ, those in heaven, on earth and in purgatory, are mystically present in each Eucharist.

In the Word

—The Bible is a living, personal Word, inspired by God, not just a history or catechism. This is true, also for the prayers said in Mass.

In the priest

—The ordained priest shares in Christ’s priesthood in a special way, acting “in persona Christi,” “in the person of Christ.” The words of institution “This is my body…” were spoken by Christ and are spoken by the priest.

In the Eucharist

—In the consecrated elements, we have the most complete presence of Christ possible in this world, His body, blood, soul and divinity.